Multimode image and spectral reader

ABSTRACT

A multi-mode reader instrument capable of detecting and determining digital data from a signal from one or more markers, indicia or taggants on an object, the markers, indicia or taggants such as a bar code, a QR code, an RFID, an optical compound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitized image, a radioactive compound, an olfactory compound or a thermal attribute of the object is provided. Also, provided is a method and a system for identifying an object, the system includes: a multi-mode reader instrument for detecting data from a signal from one or more markers, indicia or taggants on an object and assignment of digital code for the marker and a database for securing and retrieving information relevant to the item.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/897,797, filed Oct. 7, 2013 the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a reader instrument capable of reading multipleforms of markers, indicia types and inherent energy-emitting propertiesof an item. The markers, indicia and other properties are useful asovert or covert security markers or for steganographic encryption of theidentity or other characteristics of an object or item with which suchmarkers, indicia and properties, such as a logo are affixed or otherwiseassociated. Multi-mode readers of markers, indicia and other propertiesare useful for decoding encrypted information for rapid tracking,identification and verification of marked goods and high value items.

BACKGROUND

Security markers have been employed for the identification, tracking andauthentication of items of interest, high value articles and merchandiseetc., see for instance U.S. Pat. No. 8,415,164: System and method forsecure document printing and detection; U.S. Pat. No. 8,426,216: Methodfor authenticating articles with optical reporters; and U.S. Pat. No.8,124,333: Methods for covalent linking of optical reporters.

One commonly used type of marker or identification tag is a barcode. Abarcode is a representation of data by varying the widths and spacing ofparallel lines, sometimes stacked in a two-dimensional pattern. Whenused as an identification tag on an object, the barcode carries encodedinformation relevant to that object that can be read by a barcodedecoder or reader. (See for example U.S. Pat. No. 8,368,878 Method,apparatus, and article to facilitate evaluation of objects usingelectromagnetic energy to Furness et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,285,510Method, apparatus, and article to facilitate distributed evaluation ofobjects using electromagnetic energy to Schowengerdt et al.).

Another commonly used type of barcode is the QR code (“Quick Read”codes). QR codes were first used by Denso, a Toyota subsidiary to trackautomobiles during manufacturing by allowing their contents to bedecoded at high speed. QR codes became one of the most populartwo-dimensional barcodes. Unlike the original barcode that was designedto be interrogated by a beam of light, the QR code is detected as a2-dimensional digital image by a semiconductor-based image sensor thatcan be digitally analyzed by a programmed processor. The processorlocates reference squares at three corners of the QR code, and processesthe image after normalizing its size, orientation, and angle of viewing.The small bars in the code can then be converted to binary numbers andtheir validity checked with an error-correcting code.

Still another commonly used identification code or tag is the RFID(radio-frequency identification) tag. RFID tags store dataelectronically or as a bit stream which can be read wirelessly bymachine outside a line of sight. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,746to Microchip Technologies Incorporated. RFIDs can be extended rangeRFIDs: see for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,606 or for restricted rangeRFIDs, see for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,301. Unlike barcodes, RFIDsneed not be in a line of sight of the reader and can even be embedded inthe object being interrogated.

Although these identification tags are useful for generic identificationand tracking, they can be easily copied. There is a need for more secureforms of taggant verification for authentication of tagged objects,particularly high value merchandise.

When electronic components are obsolete, replacements are usuallyobtained from authorized suppliers. These suppliers search for partsfrom their own stock, contractor or government excess stock, and oftenfrom internet listing sites which list available components. Componentsfrom all locations, and in particular from internet listing sites, areat high risk for being counterfeited. Used, scrapped semiconductorelectronic components are removed from circuit boards in a fashion thatoften subjects the parts to both thermal and electrostatic stressesbeyond the manufacturer's recommended limits. In addition, genericcomponents of this type (e.g., memory devices, amplifiers and voltageregulators), which have many versions from multiple manufacturers, maybe remarked to falsely identify the parts as having greater than actualcapability (e.g., capacity, speed, power dissipation and temperaturerange). This risk is present for all purchases from unauthorizedsuppliers, regardless of the obsolescence status. However, the risk foractive parts is most easily mitigated through maximum use of authorizedsuppliers.

Most counterfeit electronic components are subjected to some level ofremarking. This is done because new electronic components are generallypackaged with all the parts in one shipment produced from a small number(two or less) of production batches. These batches are usuallyidentified through a lot or date code designator on the component partthat can be used to identify the approximate time-frame, and often thefacility, which produced the component. Counterfeiters often re-markproduct, even if it is the correct part number, in order to make theentire shipment appear as if it was from one lot or date code.

The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or “primes” as they aresometimes called, are the last point for elimination of counterfeitsbefore they appear in the operational environment. In one case, anaerospace manufacturer was subjected to intense scrutiny for its failureto detect the presence of counterfeit electronic parts in aircraft soldto the Defense Department. This is a critical problem for OEMs, as theyexperience spiking costs related to counterfeits, both explicit andhidden costs.

The directly attributable costs of counterfeits to the OriginalComponent Manufacturers start, but only start, with loss of revenue,licensing fees, and royalties when a potential customer purchases acounterfeit part instead of the original. There is in effect a namelesscompetitor, siphoning revenue and market share, all of which may come inat about 2% of the total addressable semiconductor market. This wouldamount to $6B in the global semiconductor market of over $300B in 2011.

As in all quality control, the cost of eliminating defects increasessharply as a product moves toward, and then, into service. By thisestimate, remediation of counterfeiting is estimated to cost ten timesthe product cost if found at the board check stage, one hundred timesthe product cost if found at equipment final test, and a thousand timesthe product cost if the defective part is found in service. Theseproblems relate to inappropriate marking of used or substandard parts,but an even more serious problem relates to malware that may beintroduced in an electronic component part that is marked as newlyproduced by an original equipment manufacturer. Exclusion of suchmalware by an effective security marking system is a critical need.Other electronic and non-electronic articles of interest are alsoregularly subject to imitation or counterfeit substitutions. Additionalcoding techniques and methods of identification, tracking andauthentication of items of interest, high value articles and merchandiseetc. are in constant demand to stay ahead of the threat posed bycounterfeit items and products.

SUMMARY

The present inventive concept provides a multi-mode reader instrumentcapable of detecting a signal from one or more taggants, including amarker, or other indicia on an object of interest, or a property of theobject itself, wherein the one or more taggants are independentlyselected from a microdot, a bar code, a QR code, an RFID tag, an opticalcompound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNAtaggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a radioactivecompound, a digitized image of all or part of the object and a propertyof the object, such as a thermal attribute of the object. The taggantmay include a taggant identifier, which may include one or more of anoptical reporter, a digital code, a QR code or a bar code. The opticalreporter may include one or more of an upconverting phosphor, afluorophore, an encrypted fluorophore (requiring a developer to revealthe fluorescence), a dye, a stain, or a phosphor. The multi-mode readerinstrument may be handheld or portable. The rapid determination of datafrom the multimode reader can be used to discriminate those objects orarticles of commerce for verification of a marker with the highest levelof security, such as a nucleic acid marker, e.g. DNA in an in-fielddetection system or a laboratory test, such as PCR amplicon analysis,DNA sequencing or sequence specific hybridization.

In another embodiment of the multi-mode reader, the signals from thetaggants on the object are captured simultaneously as images from eachof the plurality of sensors. In a particular embodiment, one of thesignals is designated as a reference signal and the other one or more ofthe signals are informational signals. In another embodiment of themulti-mode reader instrument, the informational signals are calibratedby comparison with the reference signal. The signal may be anelectromagnetic signal reflected or emitted from the object. Theelectromagnetic signal may be any suitable electromagnetic signal suchas an optical signal (visible, infrared, ultraviolet etc.), or anelectromagnetic signal outside of the optical range, such as radiowaves, microwaves, X-rays or gamma rays reflected or emitted afterexcitation by illumination or irradiation of the taggant on the objectmarked with a taggant or indicia. The informational signals can bewavelength and amplitude of an electromagnetic signal, patternrecognition of an image or alphanumeric characters or one or twodimensional bar code patterns.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of accessing datafrom an object, the method includes obtaining data from a multi-modereader instrument reading signals from one or more markers, indicia,taggants or properties on or from an object, the markers, indicia ortaggants being selected from a microdot, a bar code, a QR code, an RFID,an optical compound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound,a DNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, adigitized image, a radioactive compound and a thermal attribute, such asblack body radiation or heat emission from the object. In oneembodiment, the data obtained by the method comprises data that can beused for authentication of a unique object or product, or forverification of properties, components, manufacturing or productioninformation relating to the object or product.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a system foridentifying an object, the system includes a multi-mode readerinstrument capable of detecting data from a signal from one or moremarkers, indicia, taggants or properties on or from an object, themarkers, indicia or taggants being selected from a bar code, a QR code,an RFID, an optical compound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescentcompound, a DNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye,a digitized image, a radioactive compound, an olfactory compound (e.g.in scratch and release microcapsules for human or animal detection, suchas by a police dog of a K9 unit) and a thermal attribute of the object;operatively connected to a database for storing the data from themulti-mode reader instrument or accessing contextual data about the itembased on its marker, indicia, taggant or property identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a one dimensional bar code with an added spectral compounddeposited over most of the second bar from the left. The added compounddoes not interfere with the reading of the bar code, and provides aspectral image for coding information relating to the object or item towhich the bar code is attached. The second bar from the right includes aDNA marker in the ink. The DNA marker can be sequenced for additionalencoded information and data.

FIG. 2 shows three image capturing methods and devices: A bar codescanner, a spectral reader with a grating for monochromaticillumination; and a thermal profile imaging device. Each can beoperatively connected to a computing device for comparison with adatabase.

FIG. 3 is a table showing the number of unique codes determinable with1-10 color levels (amplitudes) and 2-10 wavebands or channels accordingto formula I, below.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the process of marking an object ofinterest and reading the markers with a multimode reader instrument,comparing the imaging data with data in a database on board the reader,in a database on a server or in the cloud connected to another server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment the inventive concept of the present inventionprovides a multi-mode reader instrument capable of detecting data from asignal from one or more taggants, including markers, or other indicia onan object, or properties of the object itself, wherein the one or moretaggants are independently selected from a bar code, a microdot, a QRcode, an RFID tag, an optical compound, a fluorescent compound, aphosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP),a chemical dye, a digitized image, a radioactive compound, an olfactorycompound (e.g. in scratch and release microcapsules) and a thermalattribute of the object and wherein the signals are captured as an imagein each of a plurality of sensors capable of detecting electromagneticor olfactory signals from the taggant or taggants on the object.

In one embodiment, the multi-mode reader instrument includes a pluralityof sensors each capable of detecting electromagnetic signals from one ormore taggants on an object. The taggants can be any suitable taggantselected from a microdot, a bar code, a QR code, an RFID tag, an opticalcompound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNAtaggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitizedimage, a radioactive compound, an olfactory compound, a thermalattribute of the object, and the like.

In yet another embodiment the invention provides a multi-mode readerinstrument further comprising a sensor for detecting the position of ataggant locator for indicating the position of at least one of the oneor more taggants on the object. In another embodiment the inventionprovides a multi-mode reader instrument wherein the taggant locator isdetected as a signal selected from the group consisting of a visiblesignal, a fluorescent signal, a radioactive signal, a phosphorescentsignal and a thermal signal. In another embodiment the inventionprovides a multi-mode reader instrument capable of detecting a taggantlocator selected from the group consisting of a logo, a trademark, a barcode, a scratch-off code and an RFID tag.

In another embodiment of the multi-mode reader instrument, the signalsfrom the one or more taggants on the object are scanned simultaneouslyalong two intersecting axes. The axes may be at any angle to each other,such as an acute angle, at an obtuse angle, or perpendicular to eachother. Alternatively, the scans may be duplicates along the same axistaken at different times. In another alternative, the one or moretaggants on the object are recorded as images by a plurality of cameras,each having a different filter limiting the signal to a different rangeof wavelengths.

In still another embodiment the invention provides a multi-mode readerinstrument capable of recording data from the signals detected from theone or more taggants on the object. In another embodiment the inventionprovides a multi-mode reader instrument wherein the data determined fromthe one or more taggants on the object is stored in a memory devicewithin the multi-mode reader instrument or communicated to a server forcomparison with stored data.

In another embodiment the invention provides a multi-mode readerinstrument further comprising a screen for viewing a taggant locator orat least one of the signals detected from the one or more taggants onthe object. In another embodiment the invention provides a multi-modereader instrument further comprising an optional filter for limiting thesignal detected by the sensor, each filter independently limiting thesignal detected to a range of wavelengths characteristic of the filter.The ranges of wavelengths limited by the filters may be overlapping ornon-overlapping wavelength ranges.

In another embodiment the invention provides a multi-mode readerinstrument wherein one or more of the plurality of sensors each have afilter for limiting the signal detected by the sensor, wherein thefilters limit the signal detected by the sensor to different wavelengthranges. In another embodiment the filters each limit the signalwavelength to a bandwidth of from about 1 nm to about 100 nm. In anotherembodiment the filters each limit the signal wavelength to a bandwidthof from about 5 nm to about 75 nm. In another embodiment the filterseach limit the signal wavelength to a bandwidth of from about 10 nm toabout 50 nm. In another embodiment the invention provides a multi-modereader instrument wherein the filters each limit the signal wavelengthto a bandwidth within a wavelength range from about 250 nm to about1,000 nm.

In another embodiment the invention provides a multi-mode readerinstrument wherein the user can manually select one or more of aplurality of sensors to preselect which of the sensors is or areactivated (e.g. a bar code reader, or a bar code reader and a sensorcapable of detecting a signal in a specific waveband, such as a 20 nmband around a wavelength of 425 nm, or 680 nm). Alternatively, the usercan activate a full set of sensors available on board the multi-modereader instrument so that all available signal detectors provide asignal readout. In each case the readout may be displayed to the user ona screen, or transmitted to a server for comparison with a database ofunique encoded signals specific to particular objects of interest.

In another embodiment the invention provides a system for identifying anobject, the system including: a multi-mode reader instrument, comprisinga plurality of sensors capable of detecting electromagnetic signals fromone or more taggants on an object and converting the signals to signaldata; and an electronic circuit capable of receiving the signal data andoutputting the signal data in coded form for storage; wherein theelectronic circuit is operatively linked to a database for receiving thecoded form of the data from the multi-mode reader instrument for storageand retrieval. In another embodiment the database is maintained on acomputer-readable medium within the reader instrument or on a serverindependent of the reader instrument. In another embodiment, thedatabase is searchable in order to identify the markers, indicia ortaggants on the object. In another embodiment, the database issearchable in order to identify the properties of the object related toits identity, properties, chain of custody, and/or trace authenticationidentifiers.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-mode readerinstrument capable of detecting data from a signal from one or moremarkers, indicia, taggants or other inherent properties on or from anobject, the markers, indicia, taggants or properties being selected froma bar code, a QR code, an RFID chip, an optical compound, a fluorescentcompound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, an upconvertingphosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitized image, a radioactivecompound, an olfactory compound and a thermal attribute of the object.Other forms of markers or indicia useful in the practice of the presentinvention include optical markers, e.g. colored compounds havingcharacteristic absorption and emission spectra; ultraviolet (UV)absorbing and infrared absorbing compounds. Trademarks and logos canalso be used.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofidentification and/or authentication of an object: the method includesproviding a primary taggant encoding a readable encrypted firstidentifier of the object, such as for instance a DNA molecule having anauthentication sequence, encrypted by a first method; providing asecondary taggant encoding a readable encrypted second identifier, suchas the encrypted digital DNA sequence of the object, encrypted by asecond method; providing a searchable secure database encoding thesecond identifier of the object and optionally other contextualinformation about the object such as chain of custody history, qualitycontrol test results and other characteristics; reading the firstidentifier and the second identifier and accessing the database tosearch for the encrypted second identifier; comparing the reading of thefirst identifier with the second identifier from the searchable securedatabase; and thereby identifying the object as authentic orcounterfeit. In one embodiment of the above-disclosed method, theprimary taggant includes one or more of a nucleic acid, an amino acid, apeptide, a protein, a trace element or the like. In another embodimentof the methods of the invention, the primary taggant includes a nucleicacid, and the nucleic acid includes a sequence encoding the readablefirst identifier. In still another embodiment, the secondary taggant isa digital identifier that can be encrypted and can be included in abarcode, a QR code or an RFID.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of verificationof the authenticity of an object: the method includes providing aprimary taggant encoding a readable encrypted first identifier of theobject, such as for instance a DNA molecule having an authenticationsequence, encrypted by a first method; providing a secondary taggantencoding a readable encrypted second identifier, such as the encrypteddigital DNA sequence of the object, encrypted by a second method;providing a searchable secure database encoding the second identifier ofthe object and optionally other contextual information about the objectsuch as chain of custody history, quality control test results and othercharacteristics; reading the second identifier and accessing thedatabase to search for the encrypted second identifier; matching thereading of the second identifier with an identifier from the searchablesecure database; and thereby identifying the object as authentic. As asecond optional step, the encrypted first identifier can be read andcompared to the identifier listed in the database for authentication asfurther confirmation of the authenticity of the object.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a system foridentification and/or authentication of an object, the system includes aprimary taggant encoding a readable encrypted first identifier of theobject, such as for instance a DNA molecule having an authenticationsequence, encrypted by a first method; a secondary taggant encoding areadable encrypted second identifier, such as the encrypted digital DNAsequence of the object, encrypted by a second method; and a searchablesecure database encoding the second identifier of the object. In oneembodiment of the above-disclosed system, the primary taggant includesone or more of a nucleic acid, an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, atrace element or the like. In another embodiment of the system of theinvention, the primary taggant includes a nucleic acid, and the nucleicacid includes a sequence encoding the readable first identifier. Instill another embodiment, the secondary taggant is a digital identifierthat can be encrypted and can be included in a barcode, a QR code or anRFID.

The ability to access multiple signals from a single taggant on anobject permits the coding of an unlimited amount of information that maybe useful to different parties at different points in the stream ofcommerce. For instance, it may be useful for manufacturers to encodeproduction dates, sources and components in their products (this was theorigin of bar coding); subsequently this information and additionalshipping and tracking information, such as timing and location may beuseful to distributers and vendors; and finally such as informationrelating to origin, composition and authentication may be of interest topurchasers and consumers. All of the aforementioned data may be encodedin a single taggant by adding markers encoding the new information atthe taggant location, e.g. by serially adding new nucleic acid moleculemarkers and/or optical markers and/or digital representations within anovert or covert barcode, or any combination thereof.

The methods and systems of the present invention provide authenticationby adding layers of security on a tag or taggant (the terms “tag” and“taggant” are used interchangeably herein) directly onto an object oritem of interest by embedding physical encryption taggants as well asencrypting their digital representatives directly into the content ofthe taggant. The item, object or merchandise marked with the taggant canbe any suitable article or item such as, for instance, a microchip, alabel, a badge, a logo, a printed material, a document, a thread, ayarn, textile, an ink or a solution to name but a few. In oneembodiment, the item is an item selected from the group consisting ofcash, a currency note, a coin, a gem, an item of jewelry, a musicalinstrument, a passport, an antique, an item of furniture, artwork, acollectible item, memorabilia, a property deed, a stock certificate, ora bond certificate. The marked item can be an inventory item ornon-inventoried item in transit. Alternatively, the imitation orcounterfeit article or item may be a product, an object, a commodity, aliquid, or even a gas. The marked article or item may be any article oritem such as a high value item or a unique item, or an item or objecthaving a critical function.

Merchandise and other items or objects of interest can be tracked andauthenticated using markers and indicia carrying encrypted informationrelated to the item bearing the particular marker or indicia. The terms“marker” and “indicia” are used interchangeably herein. There are manytypes of markers or indicia useful for encoding product information.Merchandise and other objects can also be identified and authenticatedusing inherent properties which emit energy in a passive (does notrequire excitation) or active (requires excitation) mode, such asspectral, thermal, olfactory or radio frequency modes.

The DNA security solutions of the present invention protect products,brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. DNArepresents a highly stable molecule that can be attached to multiplecomponent materials in its natural state or after mild chemicalmodification. Another attractive feature is the ease with which DNA canbe amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or isothermalamplification (see for instance, Gill et al. Nucleic Acid IsothermalAmplification Technologies—A Review, Nucleosides, nucleotides andnucleic acids (2008) 27(3):224-243) allowing for significant quantitiesto be produced in a short time. The sequence and size complexity of DNAcan provide a unique mark that can distinguish between individualcomponents, different manufacturers, and dates of manufacture.Importantly, in the context of forensic identification andauthentication, DNA represents the “gold standard”. The scope of use ofDNA taggant technology continues to increase as new applications emerge.

It was reported in 2012, that the incidence of counterfeiting in theglobal electronics supply chain had quadrupled in just two years from2009 to 2011. Based on this disturbing and costly trend, when PresidentObama signed the National Defense Authorization Act in 2012, a provisionwas added that addressed the issue of counterfeit electronics (see NDAA2012). The provision mandated that an Applied DNA Sciences' DNA taggantto be present on all Defense Logistics Agency purchase parts withinFederal Supply Class 5962. This anti-counterfeiting provision placed theresponsibility for the sale of authentic components to government andmilitary customers on the supplier, whether the supplier is amanufacturer or a distributor.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a DNA-secured form ofthe encrypted code, which can be by any suitable encryption method andcoded in a secure format, such as for example, a QR code or an RFID: Seefor instance, international patent application No. WO2013/170009Verification of Physical Encryption Taggants Using DigitalRepresentatives and Authentications thereof. The encrypted informationcorresponds to the DNA authentication sequence and can be encrypted inany suitable coding system, such as, and without limitation, an AdvancedEncryption Standard, Secure Hash Algorithm, 3DES, Aria, Blowfish,Camellia, CAST, CLEFIA, CMAC, Ghost 28147, RFC 4357, RFC 4490, IDEA(International Data Encryption Algorithm), Mars, MISTY1, Rabbit, RC2,RC4, RC5, RC6, Rijndael, RSA, Seed, Skipjack, Sober, Seal, Twofish andthe W7 algorithm.

The DNA or other secure marker or tagggant such as an amino acid, apeptide, a protein, or a trace element marker can be affixed or coatedonto the surface of an article or item to be marked or incorporated intothe matrix of the physical tag which carries the taggant. This can bemarking by surface marking, such as with an ink by inkjet ink, flexoink, toner, epoxy ink, lithography, coating with a lacquer, plasmatreatment and deposit of the marker onto the matrix, on the fibers ofwoven textiles, or by extrusion or injection molding of a materialincluding marker DNA or other a nucleic acid or a protein-nucleic acid,an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, or a trace element markerincorporated into the matrix material to be injection molded. The DNAcan include a security code. In one embodiment, this DNA can be pairedwith a security tool named digitalDNA™ that utilizes the flexibility ofmobile communications, the instant accessibility of secure, cloud-baseddata, and the ease of barcode-based data capture further secured withunique DNA codes to make item tracking and authentication fast, easy anddefinitive.

In another embodiment, the DNA-secured encrypted code uses forensicauthentication of a DNA marker, such as a botanical DNA marker,sequence-encrypted within a secure QR code, and physically includedwithin the overt or covert ink used to print the code. The QR code mayencode supplementary encrypted information or other data, such as theserial number of the item or object tagged, the manufacturer, the date,location, a link to a reference web-site or uniform resource locator(url) and any other desired data specific to the item or object carryingthe QR code. The resulting QR code can be scanned by most mobilecomputers, bar code readers and smartphones installed with anapplication program capable of scanning and decoding the information inthe pattern. Bar code readers are produced by a number of companies suchas Motorola Solutions, Honeywell and others. Spectral analyzers areproduced by Ocean Optics and JDS Uniphase among others. Combinationultraviolet/infrared reading units, primarily for analyzing cash or banknotes, are available from sites such as TradeKorea.com and alibaba.com.Thermal imagers are commercially available from companies such as Flukeand Flir and others. Mobile scans can be performed anywhere along thesupply chain without limitation. The application software reads thedigital taggant, which is the digital representative of the physicaltaggant, such as a DNA sequence, encoded in QR symbols. It may alsotrack user profile information from the scanning session such asinternet address, location, owner, time stamp and more. This methodextends the technology beyond authentication and verification to digitalchain of custody or track-and-trace for logistic and security purposes.

In one embodiment, the scan checks in wirelessly with a secure databasein a “secure cloud” such as a “public or private cloud” accessible onlyto the customer using access codes and/or encryption, and displays theresulting analysis back on the mobile computer screen. Trackinginformation is fed into “tunable algorithms” that use patternrecognition to automatically identify supply-chain risks, forcounterfeits or product diversion. Rapid-reading optical reportersassociated with the DNA marker (such as for example covalently linkedfluorophores) can also be embedded in the ink, and prevent the securecode from being digitally copied. The DNA markers included in suchDNA-secured form of the encrypted codes facilitates forensicauthentication where absolute proof of originality is required. Forensicauthentication of the DNA in the tag, must match the sequences found inthe decrypted DNA-secured form of the encrypted code. Applications suchas cloud computing, mobile devices, and logistics are in need of thehighest security available, including advanced encryption of data intransit and at rest. The DNA-secured encrypted codes can be used totrack individually packaged items, such as drugs or luxury goods, whenthe space on the item is available to print the code matrix. On itemstoo small for the matrix, such as microchips, the DNA-secured encryptedcodes can be used on the packaging of individual items or lot shipments.

In another embodiment, the technology of the present invention avoidsthe risks of phishing scams to which non-secure QR codes are notoriouslyvulnerable, while other indicia such as geolocation and time-stampingthroughout the supply chain provide further authenticity trails. Use ofthe ubiquitous iPhone® or Android® platforms allow the consumer toparticipate in the authentication scheme, quickly and easily. Inaddition, end-users can confirm freshness and expiration dates, connectto real-time or video technical support, identify local resources,easily place reorders, and participate in peer-to-peer selling.

In one embodiment of the invention a characteristic of a physicaltaggant, such as for instance, and without limitation, a criticalsequence of a DNA molecule, such as a SigNature® DNA sequence isencrypted into a digital component. This digital content is thenincorporated into a label. At the same time the physical taggant, suchas SigNature® DNA can also be printed onto the label in an ink or via acarrier or by chemical attachment. The object carrying the label canthen be instantly verified by comparing the encrypted digitalinformation with information stored on a secure database. In addition,the full authentication can occur by reading the SigNature® DNA (e.g. byPCR amplification and sequence matching or hybridization) and comparisonto the digital DNA information. A match is authentic, anon-match/absence is not authentic.

In another embodiment, the DNA-secured form of the encrypted codeplatform is designed to meet compliance specifications defined by thePCI (Payment Card Industry) Security Standards Council, the new andstrict standards developed for handling credit card transactions. Inanother embodiment, DNA-secured form of the encrypted code platform ofthe invention meets the stringent requirements of HIPAA (HealthInsurance Portability and Accountability Act), for protecting personalhealth information. In another embodiment, the DNA-secured form of theencrypted code platform is designed to meet compliance specifications ofLoss Prevention Standard (LPS) 1224. In another embodiment, theDNA-secured form of the encrypted code platform is designed to meetcompliance specifications of the U.S. Government FedRamp securitycontrols. A related product, SigNature® DNA is a botanical DNA markerused to authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially cannotbe copied, and provide a forensic chain of evidence that can be used ina court of law.

The DNA-secured encrypted code can be used by any commodity, bulk itemor individual item supply business. Businesses that can benefit from themethods and systems of the present invention include local, national andmultinational, businesses that may be involved in any kind of businesswith a supply chain, including for example, but not limited toelectronics, machinery and components, such as ball bearings, arms andweaponry, connectors, vehicles and vehicle parts (e.g. panels, bodies,control modules, engines and wheels etc.), connectors, fasteners,packaging, food and nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, textiles,clothing, luxury goods and personal care products, as well as jewelry,art, collectibles and other valuables, stock certificates and currencynotes to name just a few.

The present invention provides machine-readable markers with varyinglevels of information content, accuracy and security that can be used toidentify physical objects and provide data associated with the object towhich they are attached. Examples of useful markers that can be readthrough reflected incident light, emitted light or energy emissionsinclude one dimensional and two dimensional bar codes, optical markercompounds, detectably marked DNA taggants, chemical dyes, digitizedimages of an item itself, or thermal or olfactory emissions from anobject.

Over time, a given environment such as a retail store, warehouse, orlogistics company may accumulate objects identified with variousdifferent types of markers and indicia and therefore will likely requiremultiple readers to extract all information required to conduct businessprocesses. This type of environment requiring a broad line of readersfor different markers and indicia is costly, inefficient and ineffectivefor the user desirous of handling information in a seamless, integratedway.

The present invention provides a method for accumulating and integratingthe data encoded in a plurality of markers and indicia in a givenenvironment to produce more rich and complex data content to enhancesecurity and reading efficiency. One physical area can include acombination of the plurality of various different forms of markers andindicia that emit or reflect light signals, thermal properties,olfactory properties and other energy in unique or standard patterns formachine readability. Use of combinations of such markers in anintegrated way, can produce denser more complex information, providingbenefit to users in information security, streamlined user processtraining, and a reduced packaging landscape for marking, among otheradvantages.

Physical objects can be identified through machine-readable means bycapturing, dissecting and measuring energy emissions from either theirinherent spectral, thermal, radio frequency, olfactory, DNA or othercompositional makeup or through indicia placed on them such as barcodes, inks, polymer compounds and more. The energy can be capturedthrough optical or other analog means, digitized via electronics, andthen processed through software to convert the data into a form readableand manipulable by host computers. There are many physical embodimentsfor these reader instruments with associated electronics such as aspectrometer, thermal analyzer, bar code reader, radio frequencyidentification (RFID) readers and the like and more. It is proposed thatthese markers and indicia be combined or integrated in such a way as toproduce intelligence from their combined pattern. For example FIG. 1shows a spectral compound applied to a predetermined area of a bar codeor image. This approach may be used to not only assist in locating thecompound marker which may be invisible to the human eye, but also toindicate specific information due to its position. For example, in FIG.1 below, the spectral compound is located on the second bar of the barcode and could be used to represent a particular item of data, such asfor instance, the 2nd month of the year. The device(s) reading themarker or indicia would be able to identify the addition of the compoundby its spectral profile and therefore discount it in the processing ofthe bar code reflection signal. The complexity, and therefore security,of the marking could be increased by combining such other approaches,such as that shown in FIG. 1 using thermally-sensitive paper thatproduces a known profile when exposed to a known heat source; usingthermally-sensitive ink or other compound in a visible or invisiblepattern that produces a known profile when exposed to a known heatsource; adding a compound to the object, label or ink with a knownolfactory emission for human and/or machine detection. The readerinstrument capable of determining and extracting data from thismultiplicity of markers and indicia in a single device can be a portableor handheld reader instrument. Alternatively, more than one readerinstrument can be used to each read one or more different markers orindicia and send the digitized information to a common computer systemfor further processing.

The present inventive concept also provides a method for reducing thenumber of reading devices and associated costs and complexitiesdescribed above in an environment wherein items are uniquelyidentifiable with a variety of marker and indicia types. The inventionleverages common circuitry and software code for the digital dataprocessing, computing and communications capabilities of the variousmarker and reader instrument technologies emitting light signals,thermal profiles, olfactory emissions and other such emissions; as wellas their hardware components such as housing, accessories, display andother associated elements. Fewer devices with more commonality providebenefits to users by simplifying inventory management of the devices anduser training, and make support and repair processes more efficient, andgenerally improve business processes.

Bar code readers, image-capture devices, cameras, spectrometers, andother devices capture reflected or inherent light from a bar code,object or image; convert the input to an analog or digital signal;process the analog or digital signal through software which converts itto a form capable of manipulation by host computers. There are manyphysical embodiments for these electronics.

Certain chemicals, metals and other compounds or substances inherentlyemit light or other energy which can be captured and dissected into itscomponent spectral or thermal characteristics by such instruments as aspectrometer, diffraction grating, crystal, thermal analysis instrumentsor other means. The captured signals are translated to a format that isdigitized and used within downstream computing and data storageprocesses or printed out to be analyzed.

These spectral and energy reading device systems can be combined orintegrated where similarities exist and interface to elements thatremain separate. For example a system which accepts input from multipletypes of optical and energy reading mechanisms which can be in a singleunit device or tethered together from separate devices. Such single unitor separate devices can be linked to a computer system capable ofrecording the data exported from the device(s) onto storage media forfurther retrieval and analysis.

The multiple input reading mechanisms may remain separate, as each canbe optimized to capture light or energy reflected from or emanating fromdifferent types of indicia or markers such as a bar code, chemicalcompound, or other detectable substrate. However, if ergonomic,electrical, and other similarity exists, the elements can be combinedinto one element. The energy captured from the various input mechanismsare sent to a common microprocessor (software/firmware/hardware) modulefor processing the analog signal into digital information that iscaptured, stored and further processed by one or more common hostcomputing systems. This combination of two or more readers, eachtransmitting the energy signal to the same digital processing circuitryand beyond simplifies processing, eliminates the cost of requiringmultiple devices and brings maximum efficiency to business processmanagement.

In one embodiment, a single device contains an ultraviolet and aninfrared light source to detect, analyze and report the identity of amarker using a material which reflects or emits known energy profiles inthese wavelength bands upon exposure to or excitation by an energysource in these bands. The device reports the results to the userthrough audio and/or visual means.

FIG. 2 shows in concept three types of input reading mechanisms, eachoptimized for capturing light or other energy emanating from differenttypes of markers. They may represent the types of analog light or energycapture commonly done as part of devices known as bar code laserscanners, cameras, CCD camera based readers, spectrometers,thermo-analyzers and others. These input reading mechanisms may beembodied in one continuous housing or operate as modules tethered to acommon housing for follow-on processing. The energy is further processedfrom analog to digital form with some shared electronic and softwarecomponents.

In one embodiment, the multi-mode reader instrument of the invention iscapable of detecting data from a signal from two, three, four or moremarkers, indicia or taggants on an object. The markers, indicia ortaggants may include a bar code, such as a one dimensional or a twodimensional bar code; a QR code, an RFID, an optical compound such as adye or a pigment; a fluorescent compound, a luminescent compound, aphosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP),a chemical dye, a digitized image, a an alpha particle, a beta particleand a gamma wave emitted from a radioactive compound or a thermalemission from the object. The multi-mode reader instrument can be amulti-mode reader instrument capable of detecting and recording datafrom a light signal such as visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light orinfrared light. Alternatively, the multi-mode reader instrument can be amulti-mode reader instrument capable of detecting and recording datafrom a radio signal such as the signal from an RFID tag. In oneembodiment the multi-mode reader instrument can emit a signal that isreceived by the RFID tag and the RFID tag then may emit a radiofrequency signal that can be detected by the multi-mode readerinstrument.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of accessing datafrom an object, the method includes: obtaining data from a multi-modereader instrument reading signals from one or more markers, indicia ortaggants on an object, the markers, indicia or taggants being selectedfrom a bar code, a QR code, an RFID, an optical compound, a fluorescentcompound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, an upconvertingphosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitized image, a radioactivecompound and a thermal emission from the object. The DNA taggant caninclude labeled DNA, such as for instance and without limitation afluorescently labeled DNA. The multi-mode reader instrument can be usedat DNA marking facilities for quality control and at approved entitieswithin the supply chain such as distributors and prime contractors forquick detection of DNA marks at various handling points such asreceiving, warehousing and field inspection. Verification of DNAsequences can be at a approved DNA analysis facility (e.g. at AppliedDNA Sciences, Inc., Stony Brook, N.Y.).

One example of the efficiencies of the multi-mode reader instrument isshown in an embodiment wherein all input signals are collected andprocessed for noise using the same electronics and software wherepossible, and are then converted to a digital code library based on twoindices: one representing its position on the energy spectrum, and onerepresenting its relative intensity level.

FIG. 3 shows the increase in unique coding capacity as a function ofnumber of wavebands (corresponding to the number of filters) and numberof intensity levels discriminated. The number of unique codes is derivedby formula I:

K=(N_levels)^(N) ⁻ ^(colors)−(N_levels−1)^(N) ⁻ ^(colors)  (I)

wherein N_colors is the number of colors or wavebands

and N_levels is the number of intensity or amplitude levels

Thus, an instrument having detectors in nine wavebands and capable ofdiscriminating four different intensity levels can distinguish between242,461 unique codes. That is, a counterfeiter has less than one chancein two hundred and forty thousand of duplicating the authentic code.(See FIG. 3). This arrangement allows for a huge number of data pointsto be encoded in a single image or spectrum.

In one embodiment, one of the wavebands is allocated to a referencemarker, this reference marker may be in a waveband having a maximumintensity level or amplitude. The remaining wavebands may be normalizedto the reference marker intensity level or amplitude. One embodiment ofthe electronics and software required to collect and process the signalsemitted from objects is to use an array of charged-couple-device imagerspreceded by energy bandpass filters selected to match the field of view,the resolution and the target energy range for a given environment inwhich the device will be used. In another embodiment of the device atransmission grating or a filter wheel precedes the imager for thecollection of varying energy views. For highest resolution, anembodiment of the device can be made with a spectrometer based designwithout bandpass or any other filtering method.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for identifyingan object, the system includes: a multi-mode reader instrument capableof detecting data from a signal from one or more markers, indicia ortaggants on an object, the markers, indicia or taggants being selectedfrom a microdot, a bar code, a QR code, an RFID, an optical compound, afluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, anupconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitized image, aradioactive compound, an olfactory compound and a thermal emission fromthe object; operatively connected to a database for storing the datafrom the multi-mode reader instrument. The database can be maintained ona computer-readable medium accessible by a computer for searching andcomparison purposes in order to identify the markers, indicia ortaggants on the object and thereby to validate the object.

The multi-mode reader instrument of markers and indicia of the presentinvention can be usefully employed by those business entities within thefull supply chain of military electronic components and expanded toadditional Federal Supply Group offerings, including Original ComponentManufacturers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Authorized andIndependent Distributors and Prime Contractors. Other customers includethose business entities within the full supply chain of commercial goodsprone to counterfeiting, diversion and other brand challenges. Theseinclude but are not limited to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cash andvaluables, identification documentation and textiles. This device can beused at final production quality control and by customers requiringdetection of marks in the field. Scenarios determined for use arequality control laboratories at electronics marking and commercialfacilities of distributors and original manufacturers; receiving docksof companies who have purchased electronic components and commercialgoods to ensure authenticity or provenance prior to accepting goods;customs and border patrol; field based applications whether inwarehouses, operational facilities or retail locations.

The unique marker compounds to be read by the multimode readerinstrument of the invention, may be deposited in place on the item to bemarked by any suitable method. For instance, pad printing, inkjetprinting, laser printing, thermal transfer printing, flexographicprinting and many commercial production methods may providecost-effective placement of the unique markers onto components foridentification. Pad printing and inkjet printing can be used with aproprietary DNA ink, such as for instance, SigNature® DNA ink fromApplied DNA Sciences Inc. Representative methods are described below:

Laser printing: Laser printing or laser marking generates a plasma andprovides a surface chemistry suitable for promoting the adhesion orbonding of marker DNA molecules onto the surface of the item or objectto be marked. Laser printing, also known as laser engraving, uses acoherent beam of photons to chemically and physically modify the surfacefor marking, producing visible marks created by novel microscopicstructures that include localized catalytic surfaces for binding themarker molecules, such as the proprietary SigNature® DNA molecules.Furthermore, the proprietary DNA can be implanted on the laser markedareas. A laser can also be used to transfer the DNA molecules from afilm such as by laser-induced forward transfer, LIFT. Compatibleprocesses can be developed for attaching DNA onto marked components incurrently operative laser marking process. For each brand of machine itis necessary to specify: energy, wavelength, printing speed and conveyorspeed according to machine specifications; and to develop suitablemethods to form the desired patterns on the surface to be marked.

Pad printing: Pad printers use an elastomeric pad to transfer an outlinecontaining ink from a template onto a substrate. These printers use aspecially formulated elastic polymer pad designed to have optimalsurface properties for transferring and releasing inks onto thesubstrate surfaces. The pads must also have defined durometer propertiesthat allow the inks to flow properly during printing. Likewise, formaximal adhesion and proper wetting of the surfaces, inks are formulatedwith adhesion promoter molecules and should be allowed sufficient timeto realign on the ink's surface during the transferring from thetemplate to the target surface. DNA inks are introduced into existingink for specific applications according to the particular application.For each brand of machine and ink type, it is necessary to specify theviscosity of the ink and the pad durometer; and to determine machinespecifications: wait time, marking pressure, speed.

Inkjet printing: Inkjet printing or inkjet marking may includetechniques such as thermal vaporization, vibration in conjunction withelectric charges and an electric field to discharge ink droplets ontosubstrate surfaces to form images or patterns including marker moleculessuch as DNA molecules. The inks designed for inkjets have differentchemical properties than inks used for other printing methods. Due todifferences in inkjet printer machine designs, inks must be compatiblewith each type of machine. Inks used by different manufacturers requiredifferent chemical formulations for dispersing ink into defined volumesand sustaining sufficient amount of charge for use with a particularprinter. The design of the print head can be optimized to produce uniquemarking patterns for security printing. For each brand of machine andink type it is advisable to specify: ink viscosity; conveyor speed;pressure; and the high voltage required.

Curing: For the commercial market, inks cured by air drying aresufficient. However for the military application, strong polymer inksrequire either thermal or radiation for optimal curing by crosslinking.Thermal ink curing period is long, the order of many minutes at elevatedtemperature. Radiation curing using UV system is short, on the order ofseconds at lower temperature than thermal curing. For energy saving andimproving productivity, UV curing using different bulbs can be employed.

In FIG. 4 an object of interest 100 is marked with a combination ofmarkers (a multimode marker) including one or more taggantsindependently selected from a microdot, a bar code, a QR code, an RFIDtag, an optical compound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescentcompound, a DNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye,a digitized image, a radioactive compound, an olfactory compound and athermal attribute of the object. The taggants can encode informationrelated to the object, such as serial number, model type, composition,origin, history, manufacturing time and location data etc. The objectincluding the multimode marker 110 can be passed into the stream ofcommerce and scanned with a multimode reader instrument at any point intransit or at the final destination at step 120. The image and/orspectral data obtained by the multimode reader instrument are digitizedand may be stored locally in the instrument for retrieval at any time.

Alternatively, or in addition, the data may be transmitted to a secureserver 125 encoding a database of information including the encodedinformation in the taggants on the object. The data transmitted from themultimode reader instrument is compared with the stored data and if itmatches, a signal validating the data may be transmitted back to themultimode reader instrument, optionally with additional data related tothe object that was stored in the database. In one embodiment, themultimode reader instrument transmits the data to a local computer (suchas a PC, laptop, or file server) which is connected to a cloud servervia wired or wireless internet communications. The local computer actsas a “buffer” to store data captured by the multimode reader andcommunicate at a later time to the cloud server; this architectureenables local operations such as a production line to continue withoutinterruption should any communications with the cloud server beinterrupted or intermittent.

In a second alternative, or in addition, the data may be transmitted toa cloud server 135 encoding a database of information including theencoded information in the taggants on the object. The data transmittedfrom the multimode reader instrument is compared with the stored data inthe cloud database and if it matches, a signal validating the data maybe transmitted back to the multimode reader instrument, optionally withadditional data related to the object that was stored in the clouddatabase. Optionally, the cloud database may transmit the data toanother secure server 145 that may store the received data related tothe object of interest or transmit further data related to the object ofinterest to the cloud server 135 and optionally the cloud server maytransmit the further data related to the object of interest to themultimode reader instrument for local storage and retrieval byauthorized users in step 130.

Having retrieved data related to the object of interest and thuspreliminarily validated the object, the final authentication andvalidation step 140 can be performed by providing a sample of thetaggant for testing for a unique DNA marker by standard laboratorymethods of amplification (by any suitable method, such as PCR orisothermal amplification), sequence specific hybridization or DNAsequencing as are well known in the art. Successful amplifying thetaggant DNA from the sample with the matching primer pairs and/orhybridizing the amplicons with a specific hybridization probe, ormatching the DNA sequence with the unique taggant marker DNA sequenceprovides the final gold-standard authentication of the object ofinterest.

Example 1 Prototype Handheld Multimode Spectral and Image ReaderInstrument

A prototype instrument included an LED UV bulb emitting at 375 nm andnine CCD cameras each with a different wavelength band filter ofapproximately 20-40 nm bandwidth and centered at 425 nm, 440 nm, 475 nm,530 nm 581 nm, 615 nm, 640 nm, 680 nm and 708 nm. The cameras werearranged to have the same field of view of a 20×20 mm area. The imagecan be of any marker, such as a logo, a trademark, a symbol, a miniatureimage, or even of an image invisible to the naked eye, located by thesignal revealed by the instrument. High resolution images were digitizedand uploaded to a PC through a USB port. Images were acquiredsimultaneously in exposures from less than 100 mS to 2 seconds. Imagesin pseudocolors (electronically transmuted into the visible range easilydiscriminated by the human eye) were displayed on a PC monitor and couldbe used to adjust the target area to center the image and maximize thesignal. Spectral images were captured from spot taggants and from textimages of alphanumeric characters formed with multimode marked ink as ataggant. Fluorescence and phosphorescence signals can be imaged andrecorded after illumination is shut off.

A scaling function was used to normalize the spectrum to the candidatelibrary value. This results in lower noise than a simple division by themaximum amplitude value. Matlab was used to normalize the amplitudes ofthe spectral images. The highest amplitude spectrum was used as areference signal to normalize the signals from the other wavebandchannels. The determined amplitudes from the marker channels were thencompared with a library of reference marker signals to identify themultimode marker imaged by the handheld multimode spectral and imagereader instrument. Matches identified the marker as corresponding to thelibrary marker, which was linked to a particular dataset forauthentication and validation of the object.

Example 2 Another Handheld Multimode Spectral and Image ReaderInstrument

This prototype handheld multimode spectral and image reader instrumentincludes a visible light bulb, an LED UV bulb and nine CCD cameras eachwith a different wavelength band filter of approximately 20-40 nmbandwidth in any suitable band, such as centered at 425 nm, 450 nm, 475nm, 525 nm 575 nm, 600 nm, 635 nm, 670 nm and 700 nm. The cameras arearranged to have the same field of view of about 20×20 mm. The image canbe of any visible marker, such as a logo, a trademark, a symbol, aminiature image, or even of an image invisible to the naked eye, locatedby the signal revealed by the instrument. High resolution images aredigitized stored locally within the instrument and can be uploaded to aPC. Images are acquired simultaneously in exposures from less than 10 mSto 20 seconds. Images in pseudocolors (i.e., electronically transmutedinto the visible range easily discriminated by the human eye,) aredisplayed on a PC monitor and can be used to adjust the target area tocenter the image and maximize the signal. Spectral images are capturedfrom spot taggants and from text images of alphanumeric characters areformed with multimode marked ink as a taggant. Fluorescence andphosphorescence signals are similarly imaged and recorded afterillumination is shut off.

A scaling function is used to normalize the spectrum to the candidatelibrary value. An onboard program is used to normalize the amplitudes ofthe spectral images to reduce signal noise. The highest amplitudespectrum is used as a reference signal to normalize the signals from theother waveband channels. The amplitudes are determined from the markerchannels and are then compared with a library of reference markersignals to identify the multimode marker imaged by the handheldmultimode spectral and image reader instrument. Matches identify themarker as corresponding to a particular library marker, which is linkedto a dataset for authentication, validation and tracking of the objectinterrogated by the reader.

The description and examples provided herein are for illustrationpurposes only and are not intended to be taken as limiting the scope ofthe invention. The patents, patent applications and other referencescited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. If aterm defined herein is in conflict with its definition as used in one ormore references or patents incorporated herein, the meaning provided inthis specification is intended.

1. A multi-mode reader instrument, comprising a plurality of sensorscapable of detecting signals from one or more taggants on an object,wherein the taggants are independently selected from a microdot, a barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, an optical compound, a fluorescentcompound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, an upconvertingphosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitized image, a radioactivecompound, an olfactory compound and a thermal attribute of the object.2. The multi-mode reader instrument according to claim 1, wherein thesignals from the one or more taggants on the object are capturedsimultaneously as images from each of the plurality of sensors.
 3. Themulti-mode reader instrument according to claim 1, wherein one of thesignals is designated as a reference signal and another of the one ormore signals is an informational signal.
 4. The multi-mode readerinstrument according to claim 3, wherein the informational signal iscalibrated by comparison with the reference signal.
 5. The multi-modereader instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor fordetecting the position of a taggant locator for indicating the positionof at least one of the one or more taggants on the object.
 6. Themulti-mode reader instrument according to claim 5, wherein the taggantlocator is detected as a signal selected from the group consisting of avisible signal, a fluorescent signal, a radioactive signal, aphosphorescent signal and a thermal attribute.
 7. The multi-mode readerinstrument according to claim 5, wherein the taggant locator is selectedfrom the group consisting of a logo, a trademark, a bar code, ascratch-off code and an RFID tag.
 8. The multi-mode reader instrumentaccording to claim 1, capable of recording data from the signalsdetected from the one or more taggants on the object.
 9. The multi-modereader instrument according to claim 8, wherein the data determined fromthe one or more taggants on the object is stored in a memory devicewithin the multi-mode reader instrument or communicated to a server forcomparison with stored data.
 10. The multi-mode reader instrumentaccording to claim 8, further comprising a screen for viewing a taggantlocator, or at least one of the signals detected from the one or moretaggants on the object.
 11. The multi-mode reader instrument accordingto claim 1, wherein each sensor further comprises one or more optionalfilters for limiting the signal detected by each sensor, the one or morefilters limiting the signals detected to a different range ofwavelengths.
 12. The multi-mode reader instrument according to claim 11,wherein one or more of the plurality of the sensors each have a filterfor limiting the signal detected by the sensor, wherein the at least twoof the filters limit the signal detected by the sensor to differentwavelength ranges.
 13. The multi-mode reader instrument according toclaim 12, wherein the filters each limit the signal wavelength to abandwidth of from about 1 nm to about 100 nm.
 14. The multi-mode readerinstrument according to claim 13, wherein the filters each limit thesignal wavelength to a bandwidth of from about 5 nm to about 75 nm. 15.The multi-mode reader instrument according to claim 13, wherein thefilters each limit the signal wavelength to a bandwidth of from about 10nm to about 50 nm.
 16. The multi-mode reader instrument according toclaim 13, wherein the filters each limit the signal wavelength to abandwidth within a wavelength range from about 250 nm to about 1,000 nm.17. A method of accessing data from an object, the method comprising:obtaining data from a multi-mode reader instrument capable of readingsignals from one or more markers, indicia, taggants on or properties ofan object, wherein the markers, indicia or taggants are selected fromthe group consisting of a microdot, a bar code, a QR code, an RFID, anoptical compound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound, aDNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitizedimage, a radioactive compound and a thermal attribute of the object. 18.A system for identifying an object, the system comprising: a multi-modereader instrument, comprising a plurality of sensors capable ofdetecting electromagnetic signals from one or more taggants on an objectand converting the signals to signal data; and an electronic circuitcapable of receiving the signal data and outputting the signal data incoded form for storage; wherein the electronic circuit is operativelylinked to a database for receiving the coded data from the multi-modereader instrument for storage and retrieval.
 19. The system according toclaim 18, wherein the database is maintained on a computer-readablemedium within the reader instrument or on a server independent of themulti-mode reader instrument.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein thedatabase is searchable in order to identify the properties of the objectrelated to its identity, properties, chain of custody, and/or traceauthentication identifiers.